Robert Francis: WXPN's March 2010 Artist to Watch

Robert Francis' official 2010 SXSW showcase will take place Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, TX. Robert will be performing alongside Broken Social Scene, Band Of Horses, Besnard Lakes, The Soft Pack, and Drive By Truckers! Hope to see you in Austin!

Growing up in a melting pot of musical influences, from the classical music of his music producer father to the native ranchera folk tunes of his Mexian mother, it comes as no surprise that Robert Francis would emerge as a talented and well versed musician. Francis studied guitar with Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante and was inspired by by family friend Ry Cooder.

Still in his teens, Francis'debut album One by One (2007) not only launched his career as a singer-songwriter, but also landed him a future deal with Atlantic Records. The album's rich orchestrations and moody post-breakup themes would serve as a basic structure for what was to come.

Following a similar recipe of earthy roots rock filled with genuine, heartfelt and completely candid lyrics, the 22 year old's sophomore album Before Nightfall is as intimate as ever. His trademark husky vocals, piano arrangements and finger-picked guitar continue to line his album. With the support of a new backing band, he's already started a new chapter of his exciting musical career, with dates in
France in March and in Germany in April, opening for the John Butler Trio.